Your spine is one of the most integral parts of your body. The spinal cord is responsible for carrying messages from your brain to the rest of your body through the nerves that extend from the base of your neck down your back.
However, these messages can be delayed or obstructed when you have a spinal disorder. Many spinal disorders can be treated but some are very serious and can cause permanent issues if not addressed quickly.
Read on for a short guide on the different types of spinal disorders, their causes, and treatment.
Spinal Disorders
Your spine is divided into four different areas, starting from your neck:
- Cervical (neck)
- Lumbar (upper back)
- Thoracic (lower back)
- Sacral (pelvis)
Any of these areas could be impacted by a spinal cord disorder. Some of the most common spine disorders include herniated discs, fractures, tumors, stenosis, hematomas, degenerative disc disease, and abscesses.
When you have a spine disorder, you may find it difficult to walk, sit, or engage in other physical activity. You could lose your balance, feel nerve tingling or numbness, or even become paralyzed.
Causes of Spine Disorders
Spine disorders can be caused by trauma injuries. Each year, nearly 17,000 new spinal cord injuries occur in the US. These injuries are the result of car accidents, falls, acts of violence, and sports activities.
Non-traumatic injuries can also cause spine disorders. These are things like disease or congenital spine defects. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and Ankylosing spondylitis are all autoimmune disorders that affect the spine.
Degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s, osteoporosis, and degenerative disc disorder can also cause spinal issues.
Treatment for Spine Disorders
The treatment plan for your spinal injury will depend on its cause. For example, if you have cancer-related tumors, you may have surgery or undergo radiation and chemotherapy.
Other treatments could include a back brace, ice or heat therapy, and injections, such as corticosteroids or nerve blockers. If you have minor back pain, over-the-counter medications, such as anti-inflammatories can help. For more serious pain, prescription pain killers or muscle relaxers can help you get rest and alleviate the pain.
For more serious injuries or disorders, disc replacement surgery, surgery to fuse vertebrae, or surgery to open your spinal canal or repair your nerves could also be recommended.
Find out more about spinal cord treatment to make sure that you are receiving the best care.
You Don’t Have to Suffer
Although back pain is common in the US, you don’t have to simply accept that and live with your pain. Spinal disorders can be caused by many different things and the good news is that some of them are very easily treatable. Don’t try to diagnose and treat yourself; see a doctor who specializes in spinal cord disorders.
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